Putting the Pieces Together. . .

Mark, Liz, Aiden, random Lego-Boy, and Carter at Legoland last weekend.

There are lots of things to build at Legoland. Lots of pieces that must fall into place to make that perfect creation...whatever that may be. And if you are a Lego-Obsessed little boy it is your Mecca.

If those little boys are your grandkids and you are Liz Hatch, you follow them on their religious trek to the mother-ship. Who cares if you have cancer?

Liz is doing really great! Sometimes during on "off-week" of chemo, she almost feels like herself. Almost. She still gets more tired than normal, has some swelling in her face and feet from all the steroids, and has found herself weirdly craving glass after glass of milk, but none of that has stopped her from doing things that are important to her.

Last week that meant meeting Erin and her crazy brood of block-building maniacs at Legoland in San Diego. They had a blast. On the drive back, Liz even got to see her Aunt Beth (her father's sister) and Uncle Don and catch up on the extended family.

She is about to enter her last round of chemo before they do more scans to see how well she is doing. What happens from there is still a bit of a mystery and will depend on what they find. But the pieces are fitting together now. The treatment, the care-providers, the friends, the chemo-buddies, the family, the prayers, have all built her up....like one giant, amazing Lego-Creation. And the grandkids think that is pretty cool.

The Lizinator

Erin and Baby Chloe ready for a day out in Livermore, April 2010

{Recent Text Messages Between Erin and Paige}

Paige: R U still having fun there in Livermore?
Erin: Exhausted. Mom is back to her old ways.
Paige: That's pathetic that you can't even keep up with Cancer-Liz.
Erin: I know! She's not human. I think she is a robot.
Paige: Like the Lizinator! Good luck. . .


Erin and her kids have been in Livermore for the whole week. You might think that their Spring Break would be relaxing....what with Liz needing to take it a tad easier these days. You'd be wrong. They've hit the zoo, the Lego Store (aka: Carter's Mother-Ship), the movies, camping at Del Valle, lunch with many a friend and family member, play-dates with cousins, hair appointments...and oh, and did we mention Chemo? Yes, Chemo.

Liz may be battling the nastiest disease out there, but you wouldn't know it by the way she is flitting about town with dozens of grandkids in tow. She's unstoppable. A bit like a super-hero. Look for "The Lizinator" in theaters this summer. Should be a blockbuster.

Do You See What I See?

Liz's granddaughter, Quinlan, sports some spectacles for a closer look.

So Liz got some amazing scan results with those unmistakable words "significant improvement" and we all got more than a little excited. But the moment of truth came today as she met with her doctor for the official interpretation of how those tumors look.

Would he see what we saw? What would he say it all means? Do we still have reason to be optimistic?

The answer came as clear as those glasses on Q's face:

She could not have hoped for better scan results. That's what he said. That's what he saw. That's what we thought. That's reason to be grateful.

{So what else can we see? What else is on the horizon?}

Chemotherapy continued today but it's with new resolve that Liz moves forward.

We see some bright days ahead. Can you see it too??

Something Significant. . .

Liz Catches Up on Some Thank You Notes March, 2010

The scan results are back and though they are written in Medical-ese and thus their true meaning is difficult to decipher, the phrase "significant improvement" was unmistakable, and stood out like a NEON sign, you know, the kind you can't miss when it says something wonderful like "FRESH DOUGHNUTS" or "SHOE SALE."

Liz meets with her doctor on Tuesday to translate what this all really means. But we are encouraged at the thought that the chemotherapy seems to be having a positive effect. It makes Liz feel like she can keep up this crazy treatment if the results are "significant improvement."

We'll keep you posted on the significant developments!

In The Hunt. . .

Liz's granddaughters, Caris and Kelby, in the hunt for the elusive Easter Egg

We've been hunting for a lot of things lately. That sneaky other patent leather shoe. The beloved blankie (also known as "Bubble Gum" at our house) that seems to have grown some legs and sauntered away. Our wee dog who enjoys the occasional solitary jaunt in the neighborhood. Eggs....because it totally makes sense that a bunny comes and hides them to celebrate Easter. What is with that weird tradition? Oh, and of course, our sanity...we are always looking for that.

And perhaps you've been hunting for a Liz update. Hunt no more!

Liz has been enduring weeks of Chemotherapy now and she's tolerating it amazingly well! She is surrounded by people who have lined up to be her Chemo-Buddy and the regimen of once-a-week treatment for two consecutive weeks followed by a third week off has continued. She sits and chats for hours while the treatment pours into her body. She is religious about taking her anti-naseau medications and they are working! She has found that she gets really fatigued five days after her treatment so she is learning to takes naps. That's been an adjustment.

She has lost some hair...but she started with so much that she now just has enough for only herself (instead of having enough to share with you and three of your closest friends). Her face has gotten a tad puffy but when people run into her as she is out and about, they tell her she looks amazing. She thinks they are really just amazed that she is standing upright...people with cancer are just not supposed to do the things she is doing.

Some days she feels so good she wonders if all this crazy treatment is really working. We should get an indication of that soon. This Thursday she goes in for her first body scan since the chemo started. That should give us an idea as to whether the tumors are being contained, whether they are shrinking, whether they are running scared.

So right now, we are in the hunt for some good news! Won't you join us?

The Most. . .

On a recent visit to Grandma Liz, Julia left this fantastic note.
She's got the most hope.

But Liz had the most strength this week as she went back to Chemo for round two, week two. It went off without a hitch. Five long hours of chemicals dripped into her but she had the most patience. She's feeling good...good enough to take a road trip to Utah this week for a wedding and little visit with family and friends. That should be the most fun.

We're all hoping this treatment is the most effective thing possible. Julia may have the most hope but the rest of us are pretty close...

Meet the Redwoods

Visit the Redwoods of Calavaras County and you will notice one thing...they are big. I mean really big. Drop your jaw, stand in amazement, almost too large to believe kinda big. Stand at the base of these trees and look up. They go on forever. And your neck will hurt.

When you visit these giants of nature you will also surely notice how close they grow together. They have to. Their root systems are so shallow they need each other to withstand the elements. They use the protection of their nearby friends to guard against the chaos around them. Liz knows how they feel.

The chaos around her is evident. Harrowing diagnosis, numerous doctor appointments, chemotherapy, more medication than she has ever taken in her life, and a familiarity with Kaiser Permanente that is second only to those whose paycheck depends on that place. But she's withstanding it. She's withstanding it because of all those fellow Redwoods surrounding her. And she feels rather blessed because of all of you.

Round two of Chemotherapy started this week. She feels really great. Her bronchitis is nearly a memory and her uncertainty of round one has been replaced by a comforting knowledge of what she can expect. Her good friend, Theresa Jacobson, has come to visit and is playing Chemo-Buddy, (and Cooking-Buddy and Movie-Buddy and Shopping-Buddy) for these two weeks of poison. She has had no nausea and has not yet lost any more hair (though her doctors say that is more likely after round III). She's found a good regimen of meds that stave off other typical side-effects and she has more energy than even she expected.

She's strong. I mean really strong. Drop your jaw, stand in amazement, almost more than you can believe kinda strong. But we knew that. She's got a little bit of Redwoods in her.

Liz and one of her Redwoods in front of some others, February 2010.

Chemo-cation

A Little Get Away. . .

Liz gets a little break from Chemotherapy this week (a "Chemo-cation" if you will)...and finally a little break from the daughters! Phew! Erin is now back in Utah and Paige officially departs California for wetter days to the North on Tuesday. The sunshine state will surely feel the void left by the sisters, but Liz is bound to get a tad more rest. Good luck to those boys left behind!

She is feeling good though her cold turned into Bronchitis this week which has plagued her with a constant cough and more restless sleep. She finally got herself some good meds today which will hopefully cease this nagging chest congestion. The chemo has not gotten the best of her though. If she can continue to get healthy, those poisons' got nothin' on her!

Chemo starts again next Tuesday and one of Liz's best friends, Theresa, is coming to man the ship for a couple of weeks and help Liz out. She is sure looking forward to some good girl-talk (and girl-food, and girl-shopping, and girl-food...wait, did I already say that?).

Liz loves to hear from you through your comments and email! Keep 'em comin'!

Here's hoping she soon finds a little "Cancer-cation."

Girls. . .

Closely Knit

Paige may just quit her day job and open a Beenie Boutique. She'll call it Kancer Knits (or something equally obnoxious) and hock the little caps she makes while sitting with Liz at chemo. It will be one of those places you walk into and say something nice to the shop proprietor like, "My, you have lovely things..." though in your head you are thinking, "Why would anyone buy this?"

Or maybe Paige should stick to the law (especially since Liz had to undo a good portion of the crafting Paige did do).

But what else do you do while sitting for four hours as the sweet nurses pump you full of chemicals except alter your knit-challenged daughter's handy work?

Day two/week two of chemo is over! {Insert Audible Cheering Here}. Liz is glad to have this first round behind her. She is feeling remarkably good, though she is a tad tired and is still fending off a nasty cold (which probably has more to do with the fatigue than the chemo does). Minimal side effects have plagued her thus far for which she is extremely grateful (as are her children who have barely had to exercise any care-taking muscles...phew!). The chemo itself is a rather painless process as the nurses use Liz's port to administer the drugs (which means minimal poking) all while offering her graham crackers and cranberry juice. It's a little like being at a really bad restaurant...one where you would walk out thinking, "Why would anyone go in there?"

She now gets a week off before heading back for more poison on February 23rd. She hopes that she continues to keep feeling good, keep the side-effects minimal, and keep her knitting hands nimble.

We are all so grateful for the generosity of friends and family who have rallied around her with good wishes, worthy prayers, acts of service (both to Liz and to others on her behalf), and yummy treats! You have no idea how your kindness has lifted us all. There are blessings in being closely knit. . .

Liz Passes the Time at Chemo

Wanna Buy a Hat??

My Thoughts Exactly. . .

Liz went into UCSF yesterday for her "second opinion" to make sure all this chemotherapy is the right thing to do. Turns out, it is. She has been very comforted by the news that the treatment she is receiving is exactly what she should be getting, in exactly the doses that should be administered, on exactly the schedule necessary to be successful. Phew.

Better yet. . .this doctor demanded that she NOT think of herself as someone with terminal cancer. If this works, if she can tolerate it, if she can contain this invader, she has years left for us all to drive her crazy. Exactly what we needed to hear.

Tomorrow is round two of chemo. Liz is a tad tired, and fighting a cold, but all in all is doing really well. She knows exactly what she needs to do and is ready to do it!

Carter Loves Grammy Liz
Not To Be Outdone, Aidan Loves Her Too.

Hair Today Gone Tomorrow

Meet Maxine.

Single White Cougar Seeking Prey. Loves romance novels, a stiff drink, and singing "Endless Love" at her favorite Karaoke Bar. Willing to relocate permanently for love or temporarily for a good time.

. . .or maybe that is just Erin in Liz's new wig.

Cheers from Maxine!

Liz began Chemo this week which meant us girls began testing out our new looks. And the initial reviews are fantastic!

Perhaps you have not met the newest addition to our family....Butch. She's nice, but with that awesome mullet, we're not quite sure what Johnny sees in her...

Becky sports some luxurious locks.

If you know Paige at all, you know she is a firm believer in the mantra, "The Higher The Hair, The Closer to God." Her new look is no deviation from that flawless premise...as evidenced here:

Paige test-drives fancy follicles

Liz has been feeling really good following her first treatment. She has religiously taken her anti-nausea meds and it seems to be working. While she does not need the wigs yet, she has noticed some thinning of her hair already but such loss is also a side-effect of anesthesia (to which she has been no stranger lately). She may be a bit more tired than usual and she reports moments of "Chemo-fog," a phenomenon that sometimes leaves therapy patients with a bit of absent-mindedness. But at least now Liz has a good excuse. I can't remember what I just ate for dinner...and heaven knows I've got no major medical procedure to blame for that!

Tomorrow she goes to visit another oncologist at UCSF to ensure she is on the right track with all these chemicals. Erin, Paige, and Becky will probably leave the wigs at home for that trip.

Maybe we'll just sport our ADORABLE new head wraps. . .

Liz loves your good thoughts and your blog comments (though keep any derogatory ones about our sweet new style to yourself). It's amazing how loved and supported we all feel. This is a journey she can take without her hair, but not without you.

C-Day

Paige's Husband, Ed, Goes Bald in the Name of Mother-in-Law Solidarity

So many "C" words to keep track of these days.

Cancer.

Chemotherapy.

Crappy.

And it all had new meaning as Liz began her treatment today. By mid-morning she was hooked up to tubes and being legally poisoned. Five hours and several games of Nertz later, she was on her way home. Really no worse for wear. Erin kept her in good company and good spirits and took the opportunity to knit a beanie cap while texting the bigger sister with pertinent (and not-so-pertinent updates). It would be comical if it all didn't feel so catastrophic.

It's good to have this day behind us. Too much anxiety. Too much unknown. Too much craziness.

Now we hope she tolerates this well. We pray for minimal side-effects. We look forward to killing this nasty little invader.

Another "C" word for ya. . .

CONQUER.

{Wanna be on the blog? Scrawl a message to Liz and take a photo of yourself with it. Send it our way: lizsgirls@gmail.com and we will post it here.}

A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words. . .

Post It

Do you have a face? Are you literate? If you are reading this, I'm guessing you've answered yes to both. So join us in posting personal messages to Liz!

Write a note.

Snap a photo.

Email it to us at lizsgirls@gmail.com

*****and we will post it here!******

Maybe it's just a word of encouragement. Maybe it's a memory. Maybe it's an inside joke. No matter what it is, Liz would love to see you and could certainly use your good wishes as she embarks on her chemo journey this week.

Here's hoping your photo session goes better than ours. . .(what is WRONG with my children???).




Looking forward to seeing you. . .

They're Back!

Paige and Erin serving up loads of carbs, Thanksgiving 2009.

So The Last Time. . .

us two sisters were together in California sitting at Mom's hospital bedside following her surgery, we got a little bored. So as Mom took a much-needed snooze, we decided to take an on-line career-aptitude test in an effort to amuse ourselves (which, frankly doesn't take much as we are the funniest people we know).

Paige was told she was perfectly suited for a career in criminal justice (good thing since that is what she does...) and Erin was told in no uncertain terms that she should avoid any career in which she is required to help people (fortunately, she has devoted her life to caring, teaching and nurturing her three children).

So by all means these two should be flying to Livermore to be Liz's first chemo-buddies! I mean, who better to shepherd our favorite Cancer patient through these wicked treatments than someone who sends people to prison for a living and her sister who should avoid any type of career that requires caring? Liz has every reason to be a little worried....

Liz heads to chemo orientation on Tuesday with treatment beginning in earnest on Wednesday. Erin will get to California this weekend and be there for those first appointments. Paige flies in the following Friday and will hang out during the second administration of Cancer-killing poison on that next Tuesday. We hope to squeeze in some shopping and eating in between doctor visits. No career-aptitude test would dare say we should avoid that!

Liz had her "port" placed just under her skin below her collar bone on Tuesday. It's cool and creepy all at the same time. Despite the fact that this was a minor surgical procedure, she is feeling good now and ready to get going! She had a surprise visit from her favorite surgeon, Dr. Fuchshuber, who told her she has angels on her shoulder. We think he saw all of you...cheering her on, pushing her forward, lifting her up. Go you!

We may not have an aptitude for "nursing" in the traditional sense, but we do have an aptitude for hanging out with our favorite people on the planet...each other....and the woman who made us everything we are. Whether she likes it or not. There is no on-line test that can measure that...

The More Things Change. . .

The More They Stay the Same. . .

And there's been a lot of change for Liz lately. And if change is the norm nowadays, then there is really nothing that has changed about that. Are you following me here?

Liz's body scan revealed a tumor in her Liver. That changes her treatment plan.

Radiation is now no longer an option. That changes her next step to chemotherapy administered in liquid form. She goes in this week to insert a port which will make this treatment easier.

Chemotherapy is set to begin on February 1st. That changes how often she will make the drive into Walnut Creek. She will now go on Mondays for two weeks in a row, followed by a third week off. This schedule will continue until around Memorial day.

Chemotherapy can have some wicked side effects. That changes the drugs she takes to stave off that possibility and magically changes the pharmacist into her new BFF.

What hasn't changed is the resolve Liz has to fight this thing. What hasn't changed is the love and support she has from people like you. What hasn't changed is the fact that she continues to need your prayers, your strength, your broad shoulders. What hasn't changed is the belief that the Lord will only challenge us with that which we can handle.

Maybe things haven't changed that much after all. . .

Jared Changes into Thirty Years Old

Cancer Haiku

Cancer go away
My sand is not yet empty
Life is still a BEACH!

Liz and Mark on the beach at Monterey, CA January 2010.

Scan Me.

Liz had her full-body scan yesterday. Nothing like trying to sit still while strangers take pictures of your insides...especially when you are not particularly good at sitting still at all. Ever.

Results are expected in a few days. We're ready for some good news. If no cancer is detected anywhere but the abdominal area, radiation (accompanied by an oral chemo-pill) is set to begin the first week in February. Her oncologist has her set up with medications to control any side-effects and her new inked-up stomach is ready to be zapped.

She is really feeling very good...too good to believe that all this fuss is even necessary. But alas, she knows there is a plan for her. Liz has never shied away from a challege (remember how crazy we all thought she was when she married Mark???). This is no different. There are beaches waiting....

TatWho???

Liz is Gettin' Inked Up!

That's right. Call it rebellion. Call it a wild hair. Call it...radiation, but Liz is getting tattooed tomorrow to aid in the radiation process. Tattoos are so hip nowadays, so why not? She's thinking she'll get a large rose wrapped around a Harley. Or how 'bout a Pegasus flying over billowing clouds and a rainbow? Or perhaps a sweet heart with {Mark} inscribed on the inside?

Or, maybe that's not quite what they mean. What they do mean is that radiation is most likely on the horizon and the marking of her skin will ensure she receives treatment in the same place every time.

Radiation is only an option, however, if we confirm that the cancer has not spread to other parts of the body. Liz will have a full-body scan next week to check that out and if she's clear, it's full speed ahead to the radiation (accompanied by an oral-chemo).

She really liked her oncologist and has confidence in his plan for her (even if that plan is to pump her full of poison). If radiation is not an option, she will move directly to full body chemotherapy administered via a port that she will have placed to make the process easier. Radiation could last anywhere between 5 to 8 weeks for 5 times a week. The side effects are most likely minimal but the goal is lofty...to shrink whatever cancer is left to invade her organs.

We're praying that her body can tolerate whatever is next. We could use your help with that.

Maybe that tattoo should read {Fighter}. Or {Hope}...

A-T-T-A-C-K

Attack, Attack, Attack.

You know that cheer! It's our new motto. And we mean it.

Liz met with her oncologist yesterday and the game is on! While she is still not feeling 100% herself yet, she is ready for this new challenge.

We now know that what began as gall bladder cancer has spread to other organs which means that solely removing the affected areas is not enough. Liz must aggressively go after that evil invader with some radiation and chemotherapy. Her oncologist gave her lots of good information and details about what she can expect.

And she can expect a battle. Her doctor will be presenting her case to the "Tumor Board" (doesn't that sound like a hoot? wonder what you've got to do to get yourself a seat at that table??) on Friday. After staffing her case with other experts in the field, her doctor will have a better idea whether they will start with radiation coupled with an oral chemotherapy or proceed straight to full-body chemotherapy. Either way, she can look forward to more poking and prodding, including the placement of a "port" to assist in the administration of the drugs. A consult regarding that will occur next week. Can we get a "port" to administer other things? Like chocolate? I could use one of those!

She is covering all her bases and seeking a second opinion at UCSF to insure that her plan of attack is the best option. She will meet with her oncologist again on January 21st at which point we hope to have made the best decision possible to move forward.

We are praying that her body (which is really looking fantastic these days by the way...it's amazing how good one looks when she is not GREEN!) is strong enough to tolerate what's coming at it. If she can handle these drugs, then these drugs can tackle that cancer! She needs to stay strong, stay healthy, and fight back.

We are all so grateful for your continued strength and support. Her battle is made easier through your prayers, your faith, your love, your line of defense. She has an army to fight this with her thanks to you! Keep cheering her on! Attack, Attack, Attack!

Out With the Old. . .

Liz pulling an all-nighter with party-boys Carter and Aidan

What Did You Do On New Years?

Liz had a rager. Complete with wild bachelors dancing around in their PJs until all hours of the night, drinking themselves into (sugar)comas, and waking the neighbors with their maniacal hollering in the streets. Partying with the grandkids is not for the faint of heart...or in Liz's case, the faint of intestines.

Those intestines are recovering at what can only be considered a miraculous rate. She really feels great as evidenced by her day trips to her favorite haunts and shopping malls. No, that was not an apparition when you thought you saw her at Target. She was really there with Erin and grandkids in tow looking for those adorable Pottery Barn knock-offs. Who can resist a good post-holiday blow-out sale? If you do see her, you will be amazed at how healthy she looks. At this rate, she will make gall bladder surgery all the rage in 2010! Didn't you hear? All the cool kids are doing it.

She is ready to meet her new BFF this week: The oncologist. Her first appointment with him is on Wednesday and we are anxious to learn of all her options. She expects to get lots of information about radiation and chemotherapy. We expect that it is only a matter of time before we all get totally freaked out by how well she handles this next stage too. Bring it on 2010!